Coach Marc Wilmots is considering dropping the Chelsea playmaker for the Group A clash against Craig Levein’s men in Brussels. Despite his hefty price tag, Hazard could be left on the sidelines after he struggled during Friday’s 3-0 win over Serbia.

Wilmots was forced to haul the 21-year-old out of the central area to stop his side being overrun in Belgrade and later swapped him for Dries Mertens.

The Belgian boss said: “Bringing on Mertens for Hazard injected fresh blood into the team.

“Eden should know changing from defence to attack and attack to defence is essential in football now. I support him and step by step we will get there but no one is assured a place.”

Arsenal stopper Thomas Vermaelen insists the squad are behind Hazard and said: “He is technically the best in our group. It’s only a matter of time before he shines.”

But PSV star Mertens is ready to fill Hazard’s expensive boots.

He said: “I do not want to be a sub – I want to be in the starting line-up.”